Calls for water conservation are being taken seriously in most of the state, but Southern Californians can’t see the drought through the fountain spray and the over-watered foliage. Good water management has produced a false sense of security, which is about to dry up along with the water supply. Voluntary measures are not doing the job, so fines of $500 will be imposed on “wasteful practices.” What are they? Will local agencies have to rely on neighbors to enforce the ban?
Also, a federal judge in Santa Ana rules that California’s death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment.
Banner Image: The view from Marine One en route to Firebaugh, Calif., February 14, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)